The hype
Guests love the unbeatable location and the historic grandeur of the public spaces, but feel the rooms need a serious refresh.
The Mayflower Hotel, Autograph Collection
$150-450/ night
Book this if Book this if you want to stay in a grand, historic DC landmark with an unbeatable downtown location, and you appreciate old-world charm over ultra-modern room amenities.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable central location near the White House, Dupont Circle, and Metro stations
- Stunning, historic Beaux-Arts lobby and grand promenade
- Edgar Bar & Kitchen's sophisticated atmosphere and signature banana bread
Quick Take: The lobby is a breathtaking piece of history, but the rooms are surprisingly small, dated, and the mandatory $30+ daily destination fee feels like a cash grab.
Reviewed by @tomsawyerf: My stay at the Mayflower Inn was the perfect winter escape. I spent hours in the lush indoor pool while it snowed outside, and the four-poster bed was insanely comfortable. If you need a quiet, cozy weekend away from the city, this is it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms are small, the walls are thin, and the bathrooms feel outdated, sometimes suffering from maintenance issues like peeling paint or loud AC units.
- History buffs who appreciate classic architecture and presidential lore
- Business travelers needing a central downtown location near K Street
- Marriott Bonvoy loyalists looking to earn or burn points
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss; some guests report spotless rooms, while others complain about missed spots, dust, and late service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but multiple reports of outdated bathrooms, peeling paint, and occasional mold in the grout.
- Maintenance: The historic nature shows; complaints of peeling paint, loud AC units, and broken outlets are common in the rooms.
- Linens & towels: Mostly fresh and clean, though a few isolated reports mention worn or scratchy towels.
- Odors & scents: Usually fine, but some older rooms have a musty smell or faint traces of past smoke in the hallways.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud, older AC and heating units in the rooms
- Street noise from busy Connecticut Avenue
- Thin walls letting in hallway chatter and neighboring TVs
Before you book
Good to know
- There is a mandatory daily destination fee (approx. $35) that includes a food credit, Uber credit, and trolley tickets.
- Valet parking is nearly $70/night, so consider public transit or nearby third-party garages.
- The hotel is huge, so expect a busy lobby and potential waits at check-in during peak times.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the loud AC and street noise
- Comfortable walking shoes, as the White House and National Mall are within easy walking distance
Room Genie
Best picks
- Suites or larger corner rooms if you need space, as standard rooms are very tight
- Rooms facing the interior courtyard for a much quieter night's sleep
Rooms to avoid
- Standard rooms on lower floors facing Connecticut Ave due to heavy traffic noise
- Rooms right next to the elevators due to high foot traffic in this massive 581-room hotel
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm looking forward to my stay. If possible, could I please request a quiet room on a higher floor, away from the elevators and facing away from Connecticut Avenue to minimize street noise? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No, there is no pool on the property, but there is a 24-hour fitness center.
Is there a resort or destination fee?
Yes, expect a daily destination fee of around $30-$35, which includes a daily dining credit, Uber credit, and local museum passes.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is very expensive at $66-$69 per night. There is no self-parking on-site.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are generally not allowed, though service animals are exempt.
How close is the nearest Metro station?
Farragut North (Red Line) is just a block away, making it incredibly easy to get around the city.
Does the hotel offer free breakfast?
No, breakfast is not included unless booked under a specific rate, but Edgar Bar & Kitchen serves breakfast daily for a fee.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Make sure to use your daily destination fee credits—like the $15 dining credit and $10 Uber credit—before they expire each day.
- ✨
Try the signature banana bread at Edgar Bar & Kitchen; it's a historic recipe the hotel has been serving since the 1950s.
- ✨
Take a walk through the grand promenade connecting Connecticut Ave to 17th Street to admire the historic ballrooms and architecture.
5 things to know before you go
💡The rooms feature a gray, somewhat mechanical color palette that contrasts sharply with the ornate, classic lobby.
💡The gym requires taking one elevator to the lobby and a different one to the fitness center, which is a bit cumbersome.
💡President Harry S. Truman famously called this hotel the 'Second Best Address in Washington'.
💡The destination fee includes tickets to the National Capital Trolley Museum, which is a quirky but fun inclusion.
💡The hotel has a 'wall of fame' in the rooms highlighting its 100-year history of hosting presidents and dignitaries.
Local Playbook
Map
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